Trump’s 2028 Presidential Race Comments Stir Speculation, Dismay JD Vance Supporters
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump addressed rumors about his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, possibly running for president in 2028, a statement likely to unsettle supporters of his...
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Donald Trump addressed rumors about his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, possibly running for president in 2028, a statement likely to unsettle supporters of his presumed successor, J.D. Vance.
Vance is widely seen as the leading Republican contender for Trump’s support in the 2028 race, bolstered by his vice presidential role and strong backing since joining the ticket in 2024. However, Trump’s comments on Monday suggest he has no clear favorite for the race.
I bet there is a lot of people considering it, that you do not know about, Trump remarked. Regarding Hegseth, he noted, I think he’s doing a fantastic job, but it is very early to talk about that.
Vance has won straw polls for the 2028 nomination at the 2025 and 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference gatherings, hosted by pro-Trump figures Matt and Mercedes Schlapp. He leads in GOP polling, occasionally surpassed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has also taken on a prominent public role within the administration.
Trump has often been vague about his preferred successor. However, a Washington Post report in early August indicated that Trump privately favors both Vance and Rubio, even telling donors, “we need to elect J.D.” The context of these remarks remains unclear.
The Post also revealed that Trump polled his staff on Marine One in July, offering only Vance and Rubio as options for the 2028 nomination. He has reportedly suggested the two could run as mates, without indicating a clear preference.
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Trump’s latest comments suggest he is considering a broader range of candidates as he seeks a Republican who can maintain GOP control of the White House and continue his political doctrine.
Despite the uncertainty over his 2028 pick, Trump’s focus on controlling the Republican Party remains evident. In the current cycle, he has endorsed key candidates to ensure his loyalists gain influence within the party. His most recent endorsement was for Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, in the South Carolina primary, against a key ally of his former rival Nikki Haley and House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ralph Norman.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
